Reunion 2023 in Stockholm, June 28 to July 3 with optional extension until July 8
Annie and Mikael Bengtson invite you to visit Sweden and the cities Stockholm and Uppsala for the next reunion.
The dates are set, but it can still be minor changes in the agenda. We hope you will plan to join us. The registration for the different activities will open soon, meanwhile you can book your airline tickets according to this schedule:
1. Arrive in Stockholm before 6 PM on Wednesday, June 28.
2. Depart from Stockholm after 3 PM on Monday, July 3.
3. If you plan to join the extended reunion to the north of Sweden, book departure from Stockholm anytime on Saturday, July 8.
Below is the itinerary for the reunion together with the costs. Please note that when the registration opens, you will be charged in the Swedish currency and the actual cost may differ according to the current exchange rate.
Wednesday June 28
We will soon have a booking code so that you can book a room at Hilton yourself. The charge for a double room overlooking the water will be $260 and for a single occupancy $245. The Welcome Reception will be a get together between 6 PM and 11 PM. A buffet from 7 to 9 PM with hot and cold dishes will be included as well as two drinks. More drinks can be bought from the bar. We will be sitting in a private area of the restaurant at the hotel. Cost for Welcome Reception: $70 |
Thursday June 29
The name literally means “Animal garden” and there is actually a zoo called Skansen with moose, lynx, reindeer and other Swedish wildlife along with old buildings that have been moved there from different parts of Sweden. We don’t plan to visit Skansen, but you can of course do it on your free time if you like. |
In the 1960’s they lifted it up from the bottom of the sea and moved it to the museum. It is an impressive sight, 69 meter long and 25 meter tall excluding the masts. |
After the ship Vasa, we’ll take a 5 minute walk to the restaurant Djurgårdsbron for lunch. If the weather is nice, we can sit outside by the water. We get to choose between meat, fish and a vegetarian dish. |
If you’re in for it, you can sing along with ABBA on a screen behind you. Cost for ferry, museums and lunch: $90 |
A walk through the Old Town of Stockholm and back to the hotel is a nice walk that will take about 30 minutes. On your way you’ll pass small shops with things to bring back home and you’ll also walk by the Royal Castle. The king and queen lives in another castle just outside of Stockholm, so it is unlikely you’ll see them. Evening is also free for dinner plans and other things you want to do in smaller groups or by yourself. |
Friday June 30
During the day we will pass under bridges, through narrow passages between islands and over open water. We will also make three stops to visit some of the islands. It’s a very nice trip with plenty of time to see the beauty of the archipelago as well as spending time together. We will be back at the hotel around 9 PM or you can stop downtown to explore the night life of Stockholm. Cost for boat trip and meals: $200 |
Saturday July 1
We will make a break for lunch at the Castle of Uppsala that dates back to the 16th century. After lunch you can choose to stay in the centre of Uppsala for some free time. Talk to Hans if you want to see anything special or just stroll along for some sightseeing or shopping. |
At 4:30 PM the bus will take us to Ekhamn and the soirée. Cost for bus, guided tours and lunch: $100 |
This is where the soirée will be in the evening. With dinner and dancing under the bright summer skies on the veranda. There will be live music as well as Spotify with songs that brings back memories. Cost for the soirée: $120 |
If you prefer a regular hotel, there are several of them in Sigtuna that are just 15 minutes away by cab or rental car. Price range from $250 to $350 per room and night. Cost for staying two nights at Ekhamn: $100 |
Sunday July 2
A brunch in the form of a picnic will be served in their garden. |
After the tour, we will have some Swedish fika at the café in the castle. |
The bus will then take us back to Ekhamn. Cost for brunch, buses, guided tour and Swedish fika: $90 |
After the farewell dinner we stay up talking until late. Making plans for the next reunion or for the next casual meeting with fellow alumni. Cost for Farewell dinner: $60 |
Monday July 3
Cost for bus: $20 Total cost if you attend all activities: $750 (excluding hotels and airline tickets) |
Monday July 3 until Friday July 7
Besides hiking and the midnight sun we can visit the north of Norway and the Atlantic coast. Maybe we get to spend a night in the world famous Ice Hotel north of the Polar Circle. But the extended part of the reunion is going to be planned together with you. So let us know if you are interested and what you want to do! |
If you are interested in going to this reunion, let us know by sending an email to reunion@friendsofbluche.com. Just to give us an idea of how many we can expect.
Sincerely, The Reunion Committee
Annie and Mikael Bengtson, Susan Reaper, Sharon Taylor Baumann, Tom Ventser, Katy Jackson Cantor, Pradeep Kapadia and Thierry Coche